The 19+1 Best LGBTQ+ Books You Need to Read Right Now!
Love queer stories?
〰️ Grab one of these books and dive in. 〰️
Love queer stories? 〰️ Grab one of these books and dive in. 〰️
Literature has the power to reflect our own lives back to us, and nowhere is this more evident than in the rich, diverse world of LGBTQ+ storytelling. Whether you are searching for a swoon-worthy romance, a heartbreaking historical epic, or a memoir that challenges societal norms, queer literature offers a home for every reader.
We have curated a definitive list of 19 essential LGBTQ+ books. Spanning genres from Victorian classics to modern Young Adult hits, these titles explore the complexities of identity, love, and the courage to live one's truth.
Modern Romance & '
Contemporary Fiction
These titles have dominated bestseller lists and BookTok for a reason: they capture the thrill of falling in love.
1. Red, White & Royal Blue
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston A viral sensation that redefines the political rom-com. When the First Son of the United States falls for the Prince of Wales, an international incident turns into a secret romance. It is witty, optimistic, and undeniably charming.
2. The Song of Achilles
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller A breathtaking reimagining of The Iliad. This novel shifts the focus to the profound bond between Achilles and Patroclus. It is a devastatingly beautiful tale of war, glory, and a love that transcends death.
3. Call Me by Your Name
Call Me by Your Name by André Aciman Set against the backdrop of the Italian Riviera in the 1980s, this novel chronicles the sudden and powerful romance between an adolescent boy and a summer guest. It is a masterwork of sensory details and obsession.
4. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid In this gripping novel, an aging Hollywood icon finally chooses to tell the truth about her glamorous, scandalous life—and her one true love. It is a stunning portrait of the sacrifices made for fame and the secrets kept for survival.
5. Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli The book that inspired the movie Love, Simon. It is a sweet, heartfelt coming-of-age story about a closeted teen navigating a secret email romance. A perfect read for anyone who remembers the nervousness of high school love.
6. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
6. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz A lyrical, slow-burn novel about two Mexican-American boys in 1987. Through their friendship, they learn to navigate their identities, family dynamics, and the "secrets" of the universe.
7. They Both Die at the End
They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera In a world where Death-Cast calls people to tell them they have 24 hours to live, two strangers meet for one final adventure. It is a poignant reminder to live boldly and love openly, even when time is running out.
Groundbreaking Memoirs
Real stories that shed light on the diverse experiences within the LGBTQ+ community.
8. All Boys Aren’t Blue
8. All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson described as a "memoir-manifesto," this collection of essays explores the author’s experience growing up Black and queer. It tackles toxic masculinity, consent, and joy with unflinching honesty.
9. Gender Queer: A Memoir
9. Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe This graphic novel is an intensely personal guide to gender identity. Kobabe (who uses e/em/ir pronouns) illustrates the journey of self-discovery, making complex feelings about gender accessible and relatable to all readers.
10. Redefining Realness
10. Redefining Realness by Janet Mock Janet Mock’s memoir is a landmark in trans literature. She shares her story of growing up as a young trans woman in Hawaii, offering a powerful narrative about self-revelation and the quest for authenticity.
Literary Classics & Historical Fiction
These books paved the way for modern queer storytelling.
11. The Picture of Dorian Gray
11. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde First published in 1890, Wilde’s only novel is a gothic masterpiece about beauty, vanity, and corruption. The undertones of homoeroticism and the "double life" remain hauntingly relevant today.
12. Giovanni’s Room
12. Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin A 1956 classic set in Paris. Baldwin tells the story of an American man engaged to a woman but drawn into an affair with an Italian bartender named Giovanni. It is a tragic, exquisite exploration of shame and desire.
13. Orlando
13. Orlando by Virginia Woolf A satirical and whimsical biography of a nobleman who wakes up as a woman and lives for centuries. Woolf’s novel is a brilliant exploration of gender fluidity and the constraints of time.
14. Carmilla, Deluxe Edition
14. Carmilla, Deluxe Edition by Sheridan Le Fanu Decades before Dracula, there was Carmilla. This gothic novella introduced the trope of the lesbian vampire. It is atmospheric, eerie, and foundational to the horror genre.
15. Stone Butch Blues
Stone Butch Blues by Leslie Feinberg An essential text on working-class queer life. Following the protagonist Jess Goldberg, it explores the complexities of butch identity and the harsh realities of pre-Stonewall America.
16. Tipping the Velvet
16. Tipping the Velvet by Sarah Waters A picaresque adventure through Victorian London. Following an oyster girl who falls for a male impersonator, this novel is a vibrant, theatrical celebration of lesbian identity and history.
Powerful Dramas of Identity
Complex narratives that challenge how we see the world.
17. Detransition, Baby
17. Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters A provocative look at modern trans life. The story follows three characters—a trans woman, her detransitioned ex, and a cisgender woman—entangled in a messy, fascinating conception plan.
18. The Miseducation of Cameron Post
18. The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth When a teenage girl is caught with her best friend, she is sent to a religious conversion therapy center. This novel is a moving testament to resilience and the importance of finding one's own chosen family.
19. The Heart’s Invisible Furies
The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne An epic that spans decades, following the life of Cyril Avery, a man born out of wedlock in Ireland. It is a sweeping saga that balances humor and heartbreak while chronicling the social changes of a nation.
🌈 Special One More Book
Love Me, Like Me, Ship Me
Okay, I’m cheating a bit and adding my own book here – but only because it’s written from the inside of the BL / LGBTQ+ world, not from the outside looking in.
Love Me, Like Me, Ship Me is a fiction-meets-confession story about idols, co-stars, fans, managers, and all the messy feelings that live between “support,” “shipping,” and “possession.” It plays with the line between fantasy and reality: what happens when the characters we love on screen collide with the real humans behind them?
This book is for anyone who has ever:
shipped a couple a little too hard,
fallen in love with a BL series,
or wondered what it actually feels like to be the person inside the spotlight, trying to survive everyone’s expectations.
It’s dramatic, a bit chaotic, sometimes funny, sometimes painfully honest – but always written with love for the queer fans, creators, and performers who make this world what it is.
Find Your Next Read
Whether you are looking to educate yourself on queer history or simply want to get lost in a beautiful romance, these 19 books offer a starting point. Each one provides a window into a different facet of the LGBTQ+ experience, proving that our stories are as varied as they are vital.
Have you read any of these titles? Share this list with a fellow book lover.
